Governance of Prophet Musa in Quran

(Note: This article is the continuation of topic Concept of Good Governance in Islam and is the 3rd article in this series click the link to view other parts of the series.)
Prophet Musa is one of the greatest Prophets who preached Abrahamic religion. Known as Prophet Moses in other Scriptures, Prophet Musa has been discussed in Quran at various places. Keeping current article under the topic of Concept of good governance in Islam only management related properties of Prophet Musa’s regime will be discussed here.

The story of Moses has been debated in Surah Albaqarah (chapter 2 verse 40 onwards). Governance model of Prophet Musa has focused on rescue and liberation of people of Bani Israel from the then king of Egypt, Pharoh. So it revolves around service and salvation of the nation. Prophet Moses not only saved his people from the unjust king but later he established a proper social setup which ensured all necessary disciplines.

Key features of Governance Model of Prophet Musa

One of the prime features of governance model of Prophet Musa was saving the nation from oppression. Working for locals as a top priority is one of the crucial element of good governance which can be seen here in Islamic model of good governance. When Egypt was struck with famine, Prophet Musa like a good leader, told the people way out. Prophet Musa tried his best to make peoples’ life comfortable in Egypt, but Pharoh kept his grip tight. When conditions grew worse, Prophet Musa decided to leave the place along with his followers secretly. Here lies the message of confidentiality of strategic plans for good governance. Another notable point is, there existed no political party then, Pharoh was ruling as a cruel dictator. When Prophet Musa came into charge, he unified people and masses were also encouraged to obey and cooperate with the leader. Cooperation is a crucial element of good governance. Moreover, an honest system of justice set in society.
Another important phenomenon we observe in governance model of Prophet Musa is the transfer of power to a responsible person in the absence of actual authority. Prophet Musa chose his brother Haroon for fulfilling the responsibilities in his absence, prophet which proved to be his right hand. At that, Prophet Musa pray a famous dua, which we nowadays recite for clarity of oration and expression in exams or any other such moment. He introduced a fair system of taxation in his society. Trade and agriculture were improved since we see Bani Israel demanded crops instead of prepared MANA from heaven. Another observant phenomenon was freedom of speech. Prophet Musa used to speak of nation and nation used to communicate their thoughts and issues with Prophet Musa as evident from many verses of Quran. Freedom of speech also tends to hold a prime position in good governance concept.

Prophet Musa bestowed with many miracles like other prophets. He used his miracles in good faith for welfare his people when he arranged food and services for all masses. The descent of Mana from heaven and then streams flowing from a stone, both are examples of efficient governance. He was a pro-justice man. It Is evident from the incident reported in Holy Quran Chapter 28 (Al-Qasas) Verse 15-16 when an Egyptian man was being oppressed, and Prophet Musa hurried to help him when that person called him for help.
The story of Prophet Musa indeed tells that its personality of a leader that matters more as compared to the institutions and their infrastructure. A strong leader can implement good governance by his personal skills and can improve systems too.
Have you read the story of Prophet Musa in Quran? What good governance concepts you found in it? Let us know, and we will update this article with your information too.

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